QUESTION
Consider the following statements regarding the STRAIT OF HORMUZ:1. It is a vital global maritime chokepoint that connects the PERSIAN GULF with the GULF OF OMAN and the ARABIAN SEA.
2. Geographically, it is bordered by IRAN to the north and the main body of the UNITED ARAB EMIRATES directly to the south.
3. International navigation through the shipping lanes of the strait is completely exempt from the territorial jurisdiction of coastal states under international maritime law.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A.
1 only
B.
1 and 2 only
C.
2 and 3 only
D.
1, 2 and 3
CORRECT ANSWER
A
DETAILED EXPLANATION1. Core ConceptThe STRAIT OF HORMUZ is one of the most critical maritime chokepoints in the world for energy security.
It forms the only sea passage from the oil-rich PERSIAN GULF to the open ocean.
Understanding its precise geography and the legal regimes governing international straits is essential for international trade and security.2. Why the Correct Answer is RightStatement 1 is correct because the STRAIT OF HORMUZ geographically links the PERSIAN GULF with the GULF OF OMAN, which then opens into the ARABIAN SEA and the larger INDIAN OCEAN.
Statement 2 is incorrect because the southern coast of the strait is bordered by OMAN, specifically its MUSANDAM PENINSULA exclave, rather than the main body of the UNITED ARAB EMIRATES.
Statement 3 is incorrect because while international law guarantees the right of TRANSIT PASSAGE for commercial vessels, the shipping lanes lie heavily within the territorial waters of OMAN and IRAN, meaning they are subject to specific coastal regulations and international frameworks like UNCLOS rather than being completely exempt from territorial jurisdiction.3. Option AThis option correctly identifies that only the first statement regarding the geographic connection of the strait is accurate.4. Option BThis option is incorrect because Statement 2 wrongly identifies the primary country controlling the southern choke point of the strait as the main body of the UAE instead of OMAN’s MUSANDAM EXCLAVE.5. Option CThis option is incorrect because both Statement 2 and Statement 3 contain geographical and legal inaccuracies regarding the bordering nations and territorial sovereignty.6. Option DThis option is incorrect because it includes all three statements, failing to eliminate the factual errors present in Statements 2 and 3.7. Static KnowledgeA STRAIT is a naturally formed, narrow waterway that connects two larger bodies of water.
MARITIME CHOKEPOINTS are strategic narrow channels along high-traffic global sea routes that are vital for energy security and international commerce.
The UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF THE SEA (UNCLOS) provides the legal framework governing international navigation rights, including the concept of TRANSIT PASSAGE through straits used for international navigation.8. BackgroundRecent regional instabilities involving attacks on commercial container ships like the CYPRUS-flagged GFS GALAXY have highlighted the vulnerability of international supply chains.
The UNITED KINGDOM MARITIME TRADE OPERATIONS (UKMTO) and various international naval commands monitor this region continuously due to its high concentration of global petroleum trade.
Disruptions in the STRAIT OF HORMUZ immediately impact global energy pricing, creating prolonged shipping delays that resonate across major economic hubs, including INDIA.9. UPSC Revision Points
10. The STRAIT OF HORMUZ handles more than 20 percent of global petroleum liquids consumption and liquefied natural gas exports.
11. The MUSANDAM PENINSULA is an exclave of OMAN that occupies a highly strategic position on the southern tip of the strait.
12. IRAN lies directly north of the STRAIT OF HORMUZ and controls the northern boundary of the waterway.
13. Under UNCLOS, the regime of TRANSIT PASSAGE applies to straits used for international navigation between one part of the high seas or an exclusive economic zone and another.
14. Major West Asian oil exporters such as KUWAIT, QATAR, IRAQ, and Saudi Arabia rely heavily on this channel to ship crude oil to Asian markets.
15. Authoritative References• OXFORD SCHOOL ATLAS
• UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF THE SEA (UNCLOS) OFFICIAL TEXT
• PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY BY NCERT